Russell T Davies leads tributes to Bernard Cribbins

Russell T Davies has led tributes to the late Bernard Cribbins.

The 59-year-old screenwriter, who will reprise his role as the 'Doctor Who' showrunner in 2023 in the sci-fi show's 60th anniversary year, has paid a heartfelt tribute to the late actor, following his passing aged 93, describing him as a "legend".

Russell revealed Bernard - who played Wilfred Mott, the grandfather of regular companion Donna Noble (Catherine Tate) and a temporary companion to David Tennant's Tenth Doctor - brought a suitcase full of props, including a rubber chicken, along on his first day on the programme's set.

He wrote on Instagram: "Bernard Cribbins (1928-2022) I love this man. I love him. That’s him as Snout in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. D’you fancy doing some Shakespeare, Bernard? “Let me see the script.” He knew everyone! He’d talk about the Beatles and David Niven, and how he once sat on the stairs at a party impersonating bird calls with T H White. Then he’d add, ‘I said to Ashley Banjo last week…’ He loved being in Doctor Who. He said, ‘Children are calling me grandad in the street!’ His first day was on location with Kylie Minogue, but all eyes, even Kylie’s, were on Bernard. He’d turned up with a suitcase full of props, just in case, including a rubber chicken. (sic)"

Russell also revealed Bernard would often speak about his late wife Gill, who he lost last October after 66 years together, and the writer admitted he was "so lucky" to have known the acting legend.

He added: "And what an actor. Oh, really though, what a wonderful actor. We once took him to the TV Choice Awards and sent him up on his own to collect the award, and the entire room stood up and cheered him. That’s a lovely memory. He’d phone up and say, ‘I’ve got an idea! What if I attack a Dalek with a paintball gun?!’ Okay, Bernard, in it went! He loved Gill with all his heart; he mentioned her in every conversation we ever had. A love story for the ages. I’m so lucky to have known him. Thanks for everything, my old soldier. A legend has left the world. (sic)"

The late star's death comes shortly after he was filming scenes for Doctor Who's 60th anniversary special alongside David and Catherine.

A tribute post on the official 'Doctor Who' Twitter account reads: "We are extremely saddened to learn of the passing of Bernard Cribbins. Known best to Doctor Who fans as the Doctor's friend and Donna's grandad Wilfred Mott, Bernard leaves behind a long legacy in film and TV."

Bernard was also known for narrating 'The Wombles', starring as Albert Perks 1970 movie 'The Railway Children', and for his work in the 'Carry On' films.

He first starred in 1963's 'Carry On Jack' as Midshipman Albert Poop-Decker, before appearing in 1964's 'Carry On Spying', and 1992 film 'Carry On Columbus'.

Bernard also appeared in 'Fawlty Towers' episode 'The Hotel Inspectors', taking on the comical role of pretentious hotel guest Mr. Hutchinson.

Referring to the role, 'Line of Duty' actor Daniel Mays wrote on Twitter: "Without doubt my fav Bernard Cribbins performance. An exceptional talent that brightened all our lives (sic)"

Bernard was also known for his musical talents, releasing single 'Right Said Fred' in 1962, and the song is a favourite in TV star Anneka Rice's house every Christmas.

She tweeted: "Very sad about Bernard Cribbins. Where would we be without Right Said Fred on Xmas morning"

Bernard's agent, Gavin Barker Associates, said in a statement: "Beloved actor Bernard Cribbins OBE has passed away at the age of 93.

"His career spanned seven decades with such diverse work ranging from films like ‘The Railway Children’ and the ‘Carry On’ series, hit 60’s song ‘Right Said Fred’, a notorious guest on ‘Fawlty Towers’ and narrating ‘The Wombles’.

"He worked well into his 90’s, recently appearing in ‘Doctor Who’ and the CBeebies series ‘Old Jack’s Boat’. He lost his wife of 66 years, Gill, last year.

"Bernard’s contribution to British entertainment is without question. He was unique, typifying the best of his generation, and will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing and working with him."